This September, D&D London is to unveil a new bar – take a bow Threadneedle – within The Royal Exchange. This is part of the refurbishment programme the group’s dining spaces are currently undergoing within this historic building in the City.
The drinks menu at the Threadneedle Bar will feature old-time favourites while the cocktail list will pay homage to Jerry Thomas’ 1862 ‘Bartenders Guide’, the first-ever mixology book published in the United States and written by the renowned bartender. Considered the father of mixology due to his pioneering work, Thomas’ originality and showmanship helped establish the image of the bartender as a creative professional.
Inspired by mid 19th century recipes, the new cocktail menu will include selections of ‘fizzy’, ‘short & seductive’, ‘long & seasonal’, ‘timeless’ concoctions as well as a ‘signature’ collection. This will feature the John Haig’s Crusta, a mix of Haig Club with Mandarine Imperial, lemon juice, gomme syrup and orange blossom essence shaken and served in a whisky sour glass for a refreshing kick, as well as the Mexican Couperee – a twist on the West India Couperee – made with vanilla liqueur foam, Patron Anejo, Citronge, lime juice and homemade Falernum. The full drinks menu, can be viewed here.
The Threadneedle Bar will also serve a menu of bar food. Highlights include Rock oyster tempura with Vietnamese dipping sauce, Truffled goat’s curd on sourdough and Soft shell crab, buttermilk and chilli, wild rocket, saffron aioli and grilled brioche. Located on the north-facing mezzanine overlooking the Grand Cafe’ and boutiques of The Royal Exchange, the bar will be open from 11am-11pm Monday to Friday.
Russell Sage Studio’s new interior will pair rich shades of blue, cognac and other dark hues as well as introduce a new lighting scheme to bring warmth and intimacy to the space.
Newly appointed General Manager Laura Dove says: “The Royal Exchange is a truly magical building. With the launch of a standalone bar, we want to create an all-day drinking destination in its own right, for City professionals and visitors alike. The cocktail menu inspiration, which draws from the early days of mixology, is in keeping with the history of The Royal Exchange, a celebration of its incredible past as well as its exciting new life in the third millennium. ”
